A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has ordered the dissolution of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapters in the United Kingdom and other foreign countries, declaring their operations unconstitutional and contrary to Nigerian law.
In a judgment delivered by Justice Peter Kekemeke in a suit instituted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the court held that no political party registered in Nigeria has the legal authority to establish, operate or supervise chapters outside the country’s territorial boundaries.
The court also directed the APC to account for all funds received from Nigerians in the diaspora and other foreign donors, ordering that such donations be disclosed to INEC within 21 days in line with constitutional provisions.
Justice Kekemeke further ordered the party to remit over ₦30 million reportedly generated from the sale of forms during its UK activities to INEC, ruling that the party lacked the legal capacity to raise such funds outside Nigeria.
According to the court, while Nigerians living abroad are free to support and mobilise for their preferred political parties or candidates, the Constitution does not permit political parties to establish or maintain official chapters in foreign countries or organise congresses outside Nigeria.
The judge warned that any political party, individual or group that operates, promotes or participates in diaspora chapters of Nigerian political parties is acting unlawfully.
He added that those who manage such structures or collect membership dues and other financial contributions could face legal sanctions, including a ₦5 million fine and possible imprisonment.
The court consequently ordered the immediate dissolution of all APC executive committees and governing bodies operating in the United Kingdom and every other foreign jurisdiction, while restraining the party from establishing or maintaining any diaspora chapter in the future.
INEC had approached the court to challenge the legality of the APC’s UK chapter, arguing that its activities violated the constitutional framework regulating political parties in Nigeria.
The electoral commission also sought the recovery of funds allegedly generated through the party’s overseas operations.
Justice Kekemeke granted all 14 reliefs sought by INEC, reinforcing the constitutional requirement that political parties remain strictly within Nigeria’s territorial jurisdiction.
